Something for everyone

For a college student, picking a major is no easy task. Whether a student’s dream is starting his or her own business, going into the medical field or broadcasting to the world, the 10,380 students enrolled at the University of West Florida have many options. UWF students can choose from undergraduate degrees in 50 different areas with 107 specializations, master’s degrees in 24 different areas with 56 specializations, two specialist degrees and a doctorate in education with seven specializations.

In many instances, choosing a major revolves around students’ prior interests. Christina Padron, an exercise science major, has always been very active in sports. With her sights set on medical school and becoming an orthopedic surgeon, Padron is utilizing the athletic opportunities she has at UWF to gain more experience in the field of exercise medicine.

“I have had the opportunity to engage in a research project and participate in numerous studies held through the Health, Leisure and Exercise Science program,” said Padron. “There are amazing professors and staff that teach and mentor students in the program. I love how all of the professors know my name and always have the time to sit down with me on a one-on-one basis.”

From special education to accounting, UWF programs strive to help students explore, engage and rise to professors’ expectations.

“Students must develop self-discipline in their studies early on in our program,” said Robert Fahnestock, chair of the UWF Department of Accounting and Finance. “They have to be able to accept creative skepticism and think for themselves – that’s what we try to create for people who have a hard time analyzing things and looking beyond the surface because that’s what they’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis.”

Citing interesting classes, program content and small class sizes as some of the most attractive aspects of their major, many UWF students also look to the psychology program to start careers in consulting, human resources, real estate and counseling.

“The degree is versatile in that it prepares students for many career opportunities,” said Laura Koppes, chair of the Department of Psychology. “The psychology major is highly valued by employers because the undergraduate program provides a broad background in understanding behavior and experiences, as well as preparing students with essential life skills.”

Another way that UWF students create versatility through their programs is in choosing to major in more than one area and crossing disciplines.

Erin Bartholomew-Cook, broadcast journalism and political science major, hopes to combine her love of the television industry and political science to create a name for herself as a political analyst. With future plans to attend law school, Bartholomew-Cook is extremely grateful for the push UWF has given her towards her future career.

“I’ve received hand-on experience that I would not have been able to receive at other universities,” said Bartholomew-Cook. “Through ‘Nautilus News,’ a student-produced news program, each week you are required to write, interview, edit and run a show for broadcast on WUWF Public Media. It’s hard work, but you get a real taste of what the news world will be like.”

To view a complete list of UWF programs and majors, visit uwf.edu/catalog.

Top UWF Programs by Enrollment Special Education Communication Arts Psychology Elementary Education Biology Health, Leisure, Exercise and Science Computer Science Management Accounting Criminal Justice